Youth participation in BiH is influenced by a number of structural and socio-political factors that define both the challenges and mechanisms for engagement. BiH’s political system is built on a consociational power-sharing model established by the Dayton Peace Agreement. It guarantees institutional representation for the three constituent peoples—Bosniaks, Serbs, and Croats—across all major political and administrative bodies. While designed to ensure ethnic balance, this framework also limits flexibility for civic innovation and has been identified as a barrier to meaningful youth participation in decision-making processes.

High levels of youth unemployment, combined with widespread disillusionment with political elites, drive many young people to consider emigration. According to recent studies, over 60% of youth express a desire to leave the country, reducing both their engagement in and trust toward public institutions.

Young people in BiH are significantly underrepresented in political party structures and public institutions. This lack of inclusion often redirects youth engagement toward informal activism, online platforms, and grassroots movements, rather than structured political channels.